The primary Honda Civic was launched as a small (3,405 – 3,560 mm lengthy and 1505 mm extensive), however nonetheless a household sized automotive, meant for extra city motoring however in consolation. Initially supplied with an 1,169 cc engine, after which 1,237, 1,335 and 1,488 cc the Civic wasn’t massively highly effective or quick. You can have it with both a 4 pace guide or the considerably amusing Hondamatic two pace auto.

With a most energy of fifty hp within the smallest of the engines, rising to almost 75 hp for the 1,500, the vehicles would make cheap progress. This was right down to the sunshine weight, ranging from simply 600 kg rising to 790 kg.

There was a wagon model in North America (nonetheless solely 810 kg), a 5 door mannequin too and a 3 door Civic RS 1,200. This Japanese home market solely mannequin was round 1 hp extra highly effective that the 1;500, however did it with simply 1,169 cc. It solely lasted for one yr and got here with twin carburettors, the next compression ratio with excessive compression pistons and excessive elevate cam. Stiffer suspension too and a 5 pace gearbox.

Sadly, the primary technology of the Honda Civic had a little bit of a rust downside. A purpose you don’t see so lots of them round now, which is a disgrace as they’re a very nice automotive. Vehicles constructed for Japan didn’t want the identical rust proofing as wanted by Western international locations so arrived considerably beneath protected.

A recall pushed by the NHTSA, the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration, actually didn’t assist with Honda’s repute. Plenty of components have been both changed of their first three years or Honda would really purchase again complete vehicles.

The primary gen Civic lasted till 1979 with New Zealand and Indonesia constructing them from Full Knock Down kits, CKD.